MXGP 2017: What do the experts expect?
This week is all about the first MXGP in Qatar. Or what did you think! Because it does not always have to be our crystal ball that is working overtime, we also took stock elsewhere. Our “Days Until Qatar” panel includes many media colleagues, as well as people from the MX industry. And of course we also let the editors of mxmag have their say. Whether you agree or not, give your opinion at the bottom of this item or let us know on Facebook!
Frank Weeink, TV commentator for Eurosport, motorsport.TV and RTL7, freelance journalist for Motoplus and Noppennieuws, among others
“Those are one of those lists where you can be judged terribly! I'm not a fan of them either, maybe because they are sometimes so confrontational... Anyway, I'll make an effort - unhindered by any knowledge or any chauvinism. And maybe another list will roll out tomorrow.
Top 3 MXGP final rankings? 1. Jeffrey Herlings, 2. Tim Gajser, 3. Tony Cairoli
“I initially had Gajser as world champion, but despite his injuries in recent weeks, I still bet on Herlings. As long as he keeps his mind on it!”
Best lowlander MXGP? So Herlings!
Surprise of the year? Arminas Jasikonis (although I don't see him taking podiums right away!)
Disappointment of the year? Valentin Guillod
Top 3 final ranking MX2? 1. Benoit Paturel, 2. Pauls Jonass, 3. Jeremy Seewer
Best lowlander MX2? Brian Bogers
Surprise/breakthrough? Where Olsen
Disappointment of the year? Jeremy Seewer (despite finishing top 3)
Favorite GP? “There is no specific GP that I am really looking forward to with extra interest, but if I had to name one, it would be the rather obvious choice Valkenswaard. If only to see whether Herlings remains undefeated there for the eighth year in a row.”
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Jurgen Schrooten, journalist Het Belang Van Limburg, co-author biography of Stefan Everts
Top 3 final standings in MXGP? 1. Tim Gajser, 2. Tony Cairoli, 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek
Best lowlander MXGP? Jeremy Van Horebeek
Surprise/breakthrough of the year? Armin Jasikonis
Disappointment of the year? Gautier Paulin
Top 3 final standings in MX2? 1. Jeremy Seewer, 2. Benoit Paturel, 3. Jorge Prado
Best lowlander MX2? Brent Van Doninck
Surprise of the year? Where Olsen
Disappointment of the year? Petrov
Which GP are you most looking forward to, and why? “Ernée in France. Beautiful course, lots of history, large crowds, wonderful atmosphere!”
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Steven van Kempen/KEMCO, speaker, press officer for various teams and also editor-in-chief CrossXL.nl en MXO.nl
Top 3 final standings in MXGP? 1. Jeffrey Herlings, 2. Tony Cairoli, 3. Jeremy Vanhorebeek
Best lowlander MXGP? Jeffrey herlings
Surprise/breakthrough of the year? Armin Jasikonis
Disappointment of the year? Has been Gautier Paulin for years
Top 3 final standings in MX2? 1. Benoit Paturel, 2. Jermy Seewer, 3. Pauls Jonass
Best lowlander MX2? Brian Bogers
Surprise of the year? Hunter Lawrence
Disappointment of the year? Petar Petrov
Which GP are you most looking forward to, and why? "Valkenswaard and Assen the GPs in the Netherlands.”
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Bart Ghielen, marketing & communications Twin Air
Top 3 final standings in MXGP? 1. Jeffrey Herlings, 2. Tony Cairoli, 3. Tim Gajser
Best lowlander MXGP? “Expectations are high for Jeffrey Herlings after three MX2 titles. He is my favorite!”
Surprise/breakthrough of the year? “Hopefully it's possible team KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team), fighting for the podium again after a number of unlucky years.”
Disappointment of the year? “It would be great if all the top riders could ride a full season injury-free. It is always a big disappointment when riders drop out at the start.”
Top 3 final standings in MX2? 1. Pauls Jonass, 2. Jeremy Seewer, 3. Benoit Paturel
Best lowlander MX2? “Team HSF KTM is again at the start with a strong team, with both Brian Bogers and Davy Pootjes. Also Julien Lieber I highly expect to have our own team in 2017.”
Surprise of the year? Jorge Prado Garcia showed at the end of last year that he can already handle the MX2 level, he will regularly provide a surprise this year. Also Michele Cervellin (HRC Honda) has already shown in the preseason that it can compete with the best.
Disappointment of the year? “Injuries remain the biggest danger for the title candidates. I expect many exciting and open competitions with several winners in this class.”
Which GP are you most looking forward to, and why? “Of course to the GP of Valkenswaard, the first race is in our region! I'm also really looking forward to Qatar to see where everyone stands. The images of the match in Argentina are also very spectacular.”
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Yente Dourte, test rider and journalist mxmag, Inter MX2 MCLB
Top 3 final standings in MXGP? 1. Tony Cairoli, 2. Tim Gasjer, 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek
Best lowlander MXGP? Jeremy Van Horebeek
Surprise/breakthrough of the year? Max Anstie
Disappointment: Jeffrey Herlings (due to injury)
Top 3 final standings in MX2? 1. Jonass Pauls, 2. Benoit Paturel, 3. Jeremy Seewer
Best lowlander MX2? Davy Pootjes
Breakthrough of the year? Iker Larañaga
Disappointment of the year? Jeremy Seewer
Which GP are you most looking forward to, and why? American GP with the participation of some Americans.
Photos: Ray Archer, Gary Freeman, Bavo Swijgers
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